Omega Speedmaster Tintin 311.30.42.30.01.004

First released in 2013, the Omega Speedmaster 311.30.42.30.01.004 was presented as an homage to the Speedmaster's racing origins. Distinguished by a checkerboard minute track and contrasting hands, these 'racing dials' enhance the overall legibility of the display. While initially flying under the radar, the discovery of the real intention behind this reference has since sky-rocketed after-market demand. It was revealed by Omega's Head of Product Development that the watch, in its creation, was poised to celebrate a fictional lunar explorer – Tintin. 'Destination Moon', Hergé’s 16th volume of Tintin adventures, was first published in 1950 and depicted Tintin’s rocket with similar red and white checked paintwork, thus inspiring the minute track of the Speedmaster and the case back's distinctive red writing. Omega's intended watch would also include a rocket at eleven o’clock. After talks with the owners of the Hergé estate dissolved, only one completed watch exists and is withheld from public view. The 311.30.42.30.01.004, while not an officially recognised collaboration, has therefore gained quite the collectors' appeal. This reference is increasingly rare as the model experienced a modest launch - around 2,000 units were originally sold. This example remains in outstanding condition and is accompanied by its original packaging, instructions booklet and sales guarantee dated 2016.